DNA Testing - know the In's and Out's of it. Genetic Genealogy, a new branch of genealogy combining genetics and traditional genealogy research, is the most accurate tool for the family historian. Family connections can be proven or disproven. DNA testing can support a paper trail which is often in question given the lack of surviving records. Its popularity grows daily with thousands testing monthly throughout the world.

31 October 2013

... The Second Time Around

A few years ago the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) accepted the use of DNA for membership. Shortly thereafter, they changed their mind. No doubt this was due to the fact that doing a Y-DNA test can only prove you are connected or not connected to a family and not to a specific person since any males along the Y-line would have the same DNA results (DNA signature). This is understandable. However, it could have disproved existing members if there were some way of testing those lines, thus making membership more accurate.

Many lineage societies have embraced DNA testing for membership years ago, including the Sons of the American Revolution. This month, the DAR has accepted the use of DNA testing under specific guidelines, effective January 1, 2014. There are eight criteria that an applicant must address. Those are explained in a PDF entitled NSDAR Policy on the Use of Y-DNA Evidence for DAR Membership Applications

In reading numbers 7 and 8, it appears that the DAR is asking that two male descendants from the same patriot be tested at a 37-marker level and that this test results be identical on all these specific markers. The descendant who is applying for membership must match a descendant who is currently a member from the same patriot. This can be problematic, and there are many possible scenarios.

The most obvious issue is for the new applicant to locate a descendant who has membership in the DAR and locate a male from this line to do a Y-DNA test. Not an easy task in many cases.

Having a perfect match with a DAR member’s male relative is not always possible even if that male and the new applicant are from the same patriot. There is often a mutational difference in the descendants of someone who lived in the 1700s as mutations are can happen anytime. This means that if two descendants of the same patriot tested and there was a mutational difference of one, the applicant would not be eligible. I have seen cases in my Y-DNA projects where the mutation is very recent, thus the one could conclude that the two testers do have the same common ancestor. Although what the DAR is proposing is triangulation (the process of comparing two or more test results to determine the validity of a genealogical connection) there is no explanation that more descendants may need testing to prove the relationship since one son of a patriot could have received a mutation, but not the other son. If any mutation shows in the lineage, the applicant should be able to submit enough tests and a reasonable argument explaining where the mutations occurred and why the patriot is still the ancestor of the applicant.

On the other hand, I know testers who have a perfect match at 37 markers, but when the test is increased to 67 or 111 they have mutational differences that could make them on separate lines of descent. Again, triangulation could help.

This seems to be a way of accepting DNA testing to help support the paper trail or in some cases in lieu of one father-son connection as mentioned in their criteria. No doubt this can help some applicants, hopefully. However, it seems that only those with difficulty finding a good paper trial will resort to DNA testing. At least that gives the applicant another avenue, but I would like to see DNA testing submitted where possible, regardless. This way, the DAR would also know if the paper trail is correct. This would help build a DNA database for their future applicants. Granted, not all applicants have a male in their line to test, but by requiring DNA testing of a male for all future applicants where possible, the DAR would have a more accurate picture of their members.

This is a major step for the DAR and they are to be congratulated in allowing applicants to submit DNA testing results with their paper trail. This is still putting a lot of weight on the paper trail so if an applicant does not match an existing line through a DNA test, the applicant could merely submit the paper work, but not the test. All genealogists know the problems with using paper records for proof and all genetic genealogists know that DNA testing is the most accurate tool a genealogist has.

29 October 2013

National Genographic is having a three-day sale starting today!

Their Geno 2.0 test is regularly $199.95, but currently on sale for $159.95.

You can become a part of a scientific study that is mapping how humans migrated around the globe. National Genographic, a non-profit organization, uses part of the money from your purchase for research and part for their Legacy Fund which provides grants to indigenous people.

This is a wonderful test for ancient ancestry. It will help reduce the gap between our written genealogy and our ancient ancestry. Not only can you learn how your ancestors moved around the world, but you are compared with various populations to determine which two make up most of your ancestry. You can also learn if you have any Neanderthal or Denisovan DNA.

This test is very informative for males as they receive a detailed Y-DNA haplogroup which can be transferred to Family Tree DNA (FTDNA) at no cost. As Family Tree DNA no longer does a Deep Clade SNP test, this is a great substitute. (FTDNA does do individual SNP testing, however)

Emily Aulicino

Genetic Genealogist

Welcome to My Genetic Genealogy Blog

Genetic Genealogy is a wonderful resource for the family genealogist or historian and is growing daily! From time to time I will post URLs and books that can be helpful. My blog is my personal venture and is selective in its contents. It is not a reflection of the International Society of Genetic Genealogy.

I am the Northwest Regional Coordinator for the International Society of Genetic Genealogy (ISOGG*) and manage twelve DNA Projects and several email lists on Rootsweb and Yahoo. I am available to speak at any function regarding Genetic Genealogy and on writing one's memories and family stories. ......For my DNA Projects, I prefer using Family Tree DNA. You can order a test kit by clicking on the FTDNA logo below.

You are welcome to email me at: aulicino@hevanet.com using the Blog's name in the subject line, if you have any comments or questions.

-------*ISOGG is a non-profit organization designed solely to promote and educate the public about DNA testing in regard to genealogy. Membership is free, but tell them that Emily sent you! See: www.isogg.org --------------

Best wishes and visit often,Emily

Presentation Topics

Introduction to Genetic Genealogy: DNA Your Paper Trail

Autosomal DNA and Chromosome Mapping

Becoming a DNA Project Manager

Care and Feeding of a DNA Project

Establishing a DNA Interest Group

Writing Your Childhood and Family Memories: A simple technique

NOTE: Custom Topics available upon request

Genetic Genealogy: The Basics and Beyond by Emily D. Aulicino

Order from Amazon, Barnes and Noble and AuthorHouse

Publish at AuthorHouse

Family Tree DNA - Click Logo to order a test

To Order at DNA test kit from FTDNA through this blog

...1. Click on the FTDNA icon search button (above)....2. Enter the _(your surname here)_ surname in the upper right where it says: SEARCH...3. On the next page, click on the surname you chose in #2....4. Follow any instructions. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on JOIN.

NOTE: If you are not certain there is a DNA project for your surname or if you are only testing your mtDNA (female line), put the name: CAMPANIA in the search field. This is one of my projects, and I will find you an appropriate project when your results arrive...........You want to join through a project to get the cheapest rates.

To subscribe, click on POST arrow.

Followers

Presentations

.....Presentations for both the Genetic Genealogy and for the writing sessions are normally two hours, but can be adapted. I prefer an computer projector for with a screen and a table for displaying my DNA book and/or writing booklet......Your group can photocopy the handouts or I will do so for $.05 per side. If speaking within the general area of Portland, Oregon I do not charge for mileage or travel expenses. Outside of the general Portland area, I do require the IRS amount of $.56 per mile. If I need to stay over night, a motel room or staying with a non-smoking female will be necessary......Although, as a member of the International Society of Genetic Genealogists (ISOGG), I cannot ask for a speaker's fee for the Genetic Genealogy presentations, but I can accept an honorarium. This is not the case with the writing classes. $75 is the standard.Email: aulicino@hevanet.com

Recommendations and Compliments

Genetic Genealogy

"Emily Aulicino is one of the most dynamic people I know. Her energy and enthusiasm has helped make Oregon the largest member per capita region in all of ISOGG. Emily’s educator background is apparent and complimentary to her speaking engagements which create a presentation that is easy-to-understand for any novice. Her reputation has made her an immensely popular speaker throughout the Pacific Northwest which has resulted in nationwide requests. Emily is a proven leader who welcomes a challenge. She manages many people and projects with skill and ability that can only be innate. I have the utmost confidence that Emily will excel at any task presented to her and I look forward to many more years working with her."-------Katherine Borges, Director of the International Society of Genetic Genealogy (ISOGG)

Unsolicited Comments:

Barbara in Washington wrote:I just wanted to touch base with you and tell you how impressed I was with your lectures today. They were fun and up, and you were able to explain the DNA process to me in terms that I could understand.

"Memoing" My Memories

130 Topic Booklet for Sale

"Memoing" My Memories - Unsolicited Testimony

Rhonda in Oregon writes:The writing tip you gave us Thursday is great! I went right to my stash of journals (I have trouble journaling, but love the books!), and made a page for every year since my birth year.I’m very excited to start writing my memories down. Thanks again for a fantastic tip!!

Anne in Michigan writes:"So many times I have sat down and tried to write out my life's story. I got so bored with myself that I never got more than a few pages done. This method has totally changed my outlook and has renewed my lifelong interest to write about my life so that my children will have something to remember me by.I am psyched, pumped and ready to go now!”

Beth in Texas writes:“I am finding the topics very helpful in writing about things I would have never thought about before. These topics give me an opportunity not to dwell on the unhappy times in my life, and remember some of the less important, but memorable topics that I'd like to pass on to my children. I'll still write about unhappy times, but they will be sprinkled in with other memories.”

Jan in Kentucky writes:“Emily, you do so very much for so many, and it is so appreciated! You also have broken my writing block, and I appreciate that...if not for you, I don't know that I would have had the heart to return to it. You truly are doing a lot of good with that list of yours and the effects will be known for years and generations for so many. I think sometimes we just need to tell you that.”

Bob in Sherwood, Oregon writes:THANKS to you I started writing my "story" last Friday. If it wasn't for you I probably wouldn't have started it. It's all your fault...You, You, "Inspirator", You! Telling usto write in "pictures". If I started it prior to your presentation it would have begun... "I was born on October 29, 1944 in Jamestown, New York". Needless to say you had a GREAT impact on my writing.

Bill in New Jersey writes:Just a short note to says thanks to you, Emily, for the prompts. I especially like the way in which you write the suggestions to go along with the prompts.

Books About Childhood Memories and Family Stories

As most of you know I seldom read fiction, and as a result, I am interested in books that are historical in nature and/or tell the stories of people's lives. The following list is some books that I have read which are by people I know, people who are related to me, people I have met, and people with whom I've corresponded for a time. Proudly, I have each author's autograph, and I'm beginning to think of this as a new collection/hobby of mine! .

Each of these stories have great struggles and challenges. Some are of childhood while others occurred when the author was an adult. I hope that you will find them interesting as I have. They are truly a slice of our American Life!

Childhood Shadows: The Hidden Story of the Black Dahlia Murder by Mary Pacios

Son of Scarface: A Memoir by the Grandson of Al Capone by Chris W. Knight

Run Jane Run: A True Story of Murder and Courage by Jane Wells

Somehow, We'll Survive: Life in Japan During World War II Through The Eyes of a Young Caucasian Boy by George Sidline

About Me

Emily is available for Presentations regarding Writing Your Family Memories and Childhood Stories.
----- Learn to WRITE ABOUT YOUR CHILDHOOD AND FAMILY MEMORIES using a quick and simple technique. Learn various organizational ideas and writing tips. ------- BOOK FOR SALE on writing your memories at workshops or by mail (Spiral bound; 144 pages on heavy vellum; 130 topics with writing tips and organizational ideas).
Emily is also available to give presentations on Genetic Genealogy. See the following blog for more information: http://genealem-geneticgenealogy.blogspot.com/
--------- EMAIL for further details on either topic:
aulicino@hevanet.com